WELCOME TO OHIOKAN
Region 8
Please learn about our region, our partners and services, and all of the resources we have available for you.
COUNTIES SERVED
Belmont
Carroll
Coshocton
Guernsey
Harrison
Jefferson
Morgan
Monroe
Muskingum
Noble
Perry
Tuscarawas
Washington
REGION 8 STAFF
Deb Knaup
DIRECTOR
Deb Knaup
Director, Region 8
Deborah is a well-networked child welfare and social services professional who comes to Kinnect by way of Muskingum County Children Services and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Zanesville. In these two organizations, Deborah has spent the past 10 years developing a passion for serving families in need and building strong relationships within her community. She is the President of her local Kiwanis chapter. Deborah earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Ohio University. Deborah is very eager and enthusiastic about joining Kinnect and seamlessly transitioning her skill set into leading OhioKAN in Region 8!
Derrick Beitzel
COORDINATOR
Derrick Beitzel
Coordinator, Region 8
Derrick is the Regional 8 Coordinator at OhioKAN. He previously served as an OhioKAN Navigator. Derrick has spent his career working in the mental and behavioral health fields, previously serving as a childcare worker for youth and young adults with severe emotional and behavioral needs in residential treatment, as well as a behavioral health technician at Mercy Health, St. Charles Hospital, and a tech for Community Mental Health’s Crisis Stabilization Unit. Derrick also has experience working with those with developmental disabilities at Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and served as chief of operations at a community provider, providing respite care and other services to individuals with developmental disabilities. In addition, Derrick has lived experience as a former kinship caregiver and now adoptive parent to three children. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Baldwin-Wallace University. In his free time, Derrick stays busy with his three active children and school and community functions.
Damita Kniceley
COACH
Damita Kniceley
Coach, Region 8
Damita has over 20 years’ experience working with families and children in various roles, including Community Outreach, Workforce Development, Family and Youth Advocacy, OWF/SNAP and Medicaid Case Management, Kinship and Adoption, and working with survivors of Domestic Violence. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio University in Organizational Communications and a Family Development Certification from the University of Iowa. Damita’s passion is working with individuals and helping them become self-sufficient. Previously, a Navigator for Region 7, she is now excited to serve the families of OhioKAN as A regional Coach!
Michelle Knowlton
NAVIGATOR
Muskingum County
Michelle Knowlton
Navigator, Muskingum County (Region 8)
Michelle previously worked at The Recovery Center in Lancaster and Pathways of Central Ohio in Newark as a Prevention Coordinator, where she educated students on staying healthy and preventing drugs and alcohol abuse. She taught preschool as a Cooperating Lead Teacher at The Ohio State University Newark, and has done volunteer tutoring at the Zanesville Civic League. Michelle has a bachelor’s of science in Human Ecology, Family Relations, and Human Development from The Ohio State University. She is excited to serve with OhioKAN as a Region 8 Navigator for Muskingum County Adult and Child Protective Services.
Marlene Emerick
NAVIGATOR
Area Agency on Aging
Marlene Emerick
Navigator, Area Agency on Aging (Region 8)
Marlene has experience working in the adoption space as an Adoption Assessor for Harrison & Carroll County Probate Court. As an Adoption Assessor, she prepared home studies for step-parents and private adoptions. Before that, she was a Social Services Supervisor for the Harrison County DJFS in Cadiz, OH. There, she supervised multiple services, including adoption/foster/kinship, intake, ongoing care, and placement. Marlene has a BS from Malone College in Canton, OH. She’s excited about the opportunity to continue to assist adoptive and kinship families!
Rissa Hawkins
NAVIGATOR
Area Agency on Aging
Rissa Hawkins
Navigator, Area Agency on Aging (Region 8)
Previously, Rissa was the Criminal Division Administrator with Guernsey County Prosecutor’s Office, where she also had previously worked as a Prosecutor Victim Advocate. There she assisted victims of crime, upholding Marsy’s Law and referred victims to services that support and assist them. She was also formerly a Developmental Specialist with Guernsey County Board of DD Early Intervention and has prior professional experience at Guernsey County Children Services. Rissa is an active member of the Cambridge Business and Professional Girls Club and Young Leaders of Guernsey County. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Human and Consumer Science, Child and Family Studies, with a minor in Psychology from Ohio University. She is passionate about her community, the resources it has to offer and the families she can support through OhioKAN!
REGIONAL SITE PARTNERS
